Coming soon to a hard drive near you: A new operating system

Apple and Microsoft are in sync this year when it comes to new versions of their desktop computing operating systems. Both are close to releasing updates, and that means their users will have to decide whether to make the leap and embrace substantial change.

While enthusiasts and early adopters are eager to get their hands on the latest OS bits, these cycles bring high anxiety to mainstream users who aren’t necessarily as excited about change. That’s particularly true this year with Windows 8, which throws the traditional Start menu out the window in favor of a radical interface change. Apple’s OS X has more incremental changes, but it still will make the if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it crowd a little nervous.

Apple steps up to the plate first. Work on OS X 10.8 was completed this week, and on Monday Apple released Mountain Lion to developers. The company also began accepting Mountain Lion-capable software for inclusion in the Mac App Store. While there is firm date for its release, Apple watchers note that the company released the previous version of OS X the day after a quarterly earnings announcement, and one of those event is scheduled for July 24. Those champing at the bit to get ahold of Mountain Lion would do well to mark their iCals for the next day, July 25.

Mountain Lion will cost $19.99 and will be downloadable through the Mac App Store. As is usually the case with a new version of OS X, older Macs will be left out of the upgrade. Macworld UK notes that those whose Macs don’t pass muster will not even be able to download the software.

Also Monday, Microsoft confirmed what most folks suspected: Windows 8 will be available in late October. The company told a gathering of its partners in Toronto that the code should reach Gold Master and be released to manufacturing early next month. However, Microsoft has yet to put a firm date on when Windows 8 will go on sale.

During the unveiling of its Surface tablets last month, Microsoft executives indicated the Windows RT version of those devices would be available about the same time as Windows 8, so you can expect to pick up a Surface in late October, too.

And good news for those brave testers of the Windows 8 Release Preview: You’ll also be able to upgrade at the $40 price. In fact, you’ll be able to do an upgrade installation, though it will only preserve your personal files and data. Upgrading to the final version from the Release Preview will mean you’ll still need to reinstall all your apps.